The Araki Lamp by Isamu Noguchi
The Akari lamp is a handcrafted light that embodies Isamu Noguchi’s philosophy that everything is a sculpture. Handcrafted in Japan with washi paper and steel wire, this Japanese light is a unique piece of artwork. The Akari lamp is made to resemble a sun or moon, and is an essential addition to any room.
Isamu Noguchi’s akari lamps
The Noguchi Museum, chartered as the Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum, is located in Long Island City, Queens. The museum was designed by Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi. You can view his sculptures at the Noguchi Museum.
The Akari Light Sculptures are handmade in Gifu, Japan, from bamboo rods stretched across the wooden forms that define the shape of the object. Then, washi paper, made from the bark of the mulberry tree, is glued to the bamboo ribbing. When the glue dries, the wooden form is removed and the lamp is then packaged in flat boxes.
Akari lamps were influenced by traditional Japanese lanterns made from bamboo and bark paper. Isamu Noguchi spent time in Gifu, where the traditional lanterns were made from bamboo and mulberry bark. Inspired by these lanterns, he based his first lamp design on these techniques. He called them ‘Akari’, which means “light”. The Japanese term also suggests weightlessness.
They are made of fine shoji paper
The Araki Light Sculptures are handmade in the Japanese city of Gifu. They are made by stretching ribbings of bamboo across wooden forms. Then, washi paper, a Japanese paper made from the bark of a mulberry tree, is applied to the surface. Once the glue dries, the wooden form is removed. The finished product is shipped in flat boxes.
The Akari Light Sculptures range from spherical ceiling lamps to table lamps. Each is made from fine shoji paper. This white paper diffuses the light and is very sturdy. The name Akari translates as “light” and implies a weightless quality. The Akari Light Sculptures are considered to be a symbol of lightness and brightness. However, it should be noted that the designs are not authentic, and are based on Noguchi’s original artwork.
They are handcrafted by hand in the Ozeki workshop
These unique lamps combine traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design to create a unique piece of lighting art. Made of bamboo or paper, these lamps diffuse light and emit a warm glow. They also feature unique imperfections that lend them a uniquely warm personality. If you’re considering purchasing an Akari lamp, make sure you take the time to learn how they’re made.
The process of creating these beautiful light sculptures started in 1951 when Isamu Noguchi visited the village of Gifu, Japan, a famous region for producing paper parasols. While there, Noguchi was asked to design a modern version of the traditional paper lantern. From there, the Akari Light Sculptures were born. Noguchi went on to develop more than a hundred different models, each varying in size from 24 to 290 cm in height.
The process of creating Akari lamps is meticulous, involving dozens of hours of handcrafting. From the first sketch to the finished product, each lamp is a work of art. The artisans use a traditional technique called ‘kumi’ to create these lamps. The results are stunning, and the lamps are available in museum shops all over the world.
They are marked with a stylised sun-and-moon logo
The stylised sun-and-moon symbol adorns the base of all Araki lamps. This symbol became synonymous with the company and was featured on early packaging and envelopes. In addition, the ideograph was also used as a stamp at the base of some lanterns.
These lamps are renowned for their unique design, and can be instantly recognizable all over the world. As a result, they are popular and can be bought from a variety of stores, including imitations. However, if you want a genuine Akari lamp, you can trust Nest, a reputable retailer that never sells reproductions. Araki lights are marked with a stylised sun and moon logo, and are presented in custom-made flat boxes.
The Araki brand has been around for almost 50 years. The company was founded by Isamu Noguchi in 1951. The name Akari means light in Japanese and is associated with weightlessness and illumination. The Akari collection began with two designs, but Noguchi continued to create more than 100 of them over the next 30 years. These lamps were not only a great success for the company but helped revive the Japanese lamp industry. In the process, they have established themselves as an icon of design and quality in Japan.
